In this episode, Vanguard's Senior Investment Specialist, Libby Newman returns to share her deep expertise in investments, index funds, and Vanguard’s long-term philosophy. She explains how index funds offer broad market exposure and why they’re a smart starting point for investors. Libby also breaks down the difference between ETFs and managed funds, emphasising that (Within Vanguard Funds) both are simply structures for accessing the same underlying investments.

The conversation explores market cycles, emotional investing, and the importance of staying the course—especially during downturns. Libby highlights Vanguard’s mission to make investing accessible and cost-effective, including their unique structure that returns profits to investors through lower fees.

In this solo episode of The Grass is Greener, host Tim Henry dives into the essentials of superannuation and why it's time to take charge of your financial future. From recent controversies involving Shield and First Guardian to practical steps for checking your super via myGov, Tim breaks down the myths, the mechanics, and the must-dos.
What you'll learn:
- Why superannuation is more secure than you might think
- The role of APRA in regulating super funds
- How to use myGov to track and manage your super
- Understanding investment options: growth vs. defensive assets
- The importance of checking your insurance before switching funds
Tim also previews upcoming episodes featuring strategies for superannuation, red flags in investment schemes, and how to find the right financial advisor.

In this episode, we sit down with Suzanne Alexander, founder of Mindful Finances, to explore the deep connection between money, emotions, and personal values. Suzanne shares her journey from farm life to financial advisor and how her passion for understanding the psychology of money led her to redefine wealth. We unpack how true wealth is more than just numbers — it’s about alignment, choice, and emotional well-being. From the power of self-awareness to the importance of community and contribution, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to craft a more intentional and fulfilling financial life.

Key Topics:

• The emotional and psychological side of money

• Why wealth is an inner journey

• How to align money with your values

• The myth of money as the sole path to happiness

• Creating your own definition of success and abundance

Mindful Finances Website

https://mindfulfinances.com.au/

Suzanne Alexander Linkedin

https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-alexander-mindful-finances/

Vision and Values Exercise

https://bit.ly/3BdXe36

In this episode, we sit down with Lucy Percy, estate planning lawyer and founder of Head and Heart Estate Planning, to explore the powerful benefits of a Testamentary Trust Willand how it differs from a standard Will. Lucy breaks down the key advantages of Testamentary Trusts, including:

- Tax effectiveness for beneficiaries, especially minors

- Asset protection from creditors, divorce, and financial mismanagement

- Greater control over how and when assets are distributed

- Flexibility for families with complex needs or blended structures

We also discuss common misconceptions, when a Testamentary Trust is most appropriate, and how it can be a smart move for long-term wealth preservation.
Whether you're planning your own estate or helping a loved one, this episode offers practical insights to help you make informed decisions.

Head and Heart Estate Planning:
https://www.headandheartestateplanning.com.au/
Aspire's Estate Planning Service & Resources:
https://www.aspireplanning.com.au/estate-planning

The process of divorce can be a challenging one, of course this differs for everyone. What are the specific things that confront people (especially women) when they start to divorce? How do you move forward positively and with more confidence despite undertaking this sometimes time arduous process. Heidi Schwegler from AFS Financial and Jordan Vaka from Planning Solo discuss these challenges and provide valuable insights for people at any point in the divorce process.

Connect with Heidi

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-schwegler-9a8a7233/

Connect with Jordan

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-vaka/

AHS Financial
https://www.ahsfinancial.com.au/
Planning Solo
https://www.planningsolo.com.au/

TGIG Live Event:

⁠⁠⁠Tuesday, 27 May 2025 - The Grass is Greener LIVE - Dream it, Live it - Your Dream Retirement⁠

Do you have any form of Life Insurance? If you do, how does it align with your current stage of life?

Our needs for Life insurance evolve as we move through different stages. Serena West is a Financial Adviser with MBS insurance and comes on to discuss the various types of Life Insurance and how the need for these may change throughout your life.

We discussed these needs for: Young Singles / Couples, Starting a Family, Mature families and Families with Adult children.

Connect with Serena

https://www.linkedin.com/in/serena-west-a2802152/MBS Insurance

https://mbsinsurance.com.au/

TGIG Live Event:

⁠⁠Tuesday, 27 May 2025 - The Grass is Greener LIVE - Dream it, Live it - Your Dream Retirement⁠

As we watch our parents age, it becomes clear that ageing is a natural part of life, bringing inevitable changes. While we can’t control every aspect, we can take proactive steps to support them with a well-structured plan that aligns with their vision for ageing gracefully.

Embracing this proactive approach provides an increased confidence and a sense of assurance. Moreover, it provides peace of mind for the whole family, knowing that thoughtful and considerate choices have been made to safeguard their well-being and independence.

Jo Newman from Care & Living with Mercer joins us to discuss the ageing journey. Care & Living with Mercer is a unique service helping ageing Australians and their carers understand and more easily access care and living options.

Jo provides valuable obesrvations and insights on how a practive approach can be so beneficial for families.
Website - Care and Living with Mercerhttps://careandliving.mercer.com.au/home
Website Aspire Planning - Supporting Ageing Parents

https://www.aspireplanning.com.au/supporting-ageing-parents

TGIG Live Event:

⁠Tuesday, 27 May 2025 - The Grass is Greener LIVE - Dream it, Live it - Your Dream Retirement⁠

Each year Futurity Investment Group publishes a comprehensive report on the Cost of Education across Australia. The report not only survey's parents about their spending behaviour but also how they are feeling how the costs and managed within their own situation.
Sarah McAdie is the Executive GM at Futurity. Sarah discusses the 2025 report, including the key numbers and emerging trends.

Futurity Investment Group
https://www.futurityinvest.com.au/

Cost of Education Report 2025
https://bit.ly/4jcj1vb

Cost of Education Calculator
https://www.futurityinvest.com.au/education-saver/cost-of-education-calculator

Upcoming TGIG Live Event:

⁠Tuesday, 27 May 2025 - The Grass is Greener LIVE - Dream it, Live it - Your Dream Retirement⁠

We all have many life & family goals. Some of these are out on the mid-to-long term horizon.

Have you considered how you will fund these goals? Refinancing via your mortgage is a very solid option.
Michael Lawes from Circle Finance Group talks us through the opportunities presented by Refinancing and the importance of being proactive with your planning!

Circle Finance Group
https://circlefg.com.au/

TGIG Live Event:

Tuesday, 27 May 2025 - The Grass is Greener LIVE - Dream it, Live it - Your Dream Retirement

In this episode, Tim chats to Kim Payne about the concept of "Vision" and its profound impact on our lives.
Kim discusses how having a strong and connected vision can inspire and motivate individuals, while the absence of a clear vision can lead to feelings of uncertainty.
Kim reflects on her own experiences and interactions with her own clients with real life examples of the positive impact of a clear vision.
Kim Payne
https://kimpayne.com.au/
Vision and Values Exercise
https://bit.ly/3BdXe36